Glass Window Repair

Professional window repairmen work from high above the ground, navigating huge panes of glass. They adhere to strict safety guidelines and often work under harsh weather conditions.

While wearing protective clothing, remove all glaze putty and glazing points with a utility knife. A heat gun can to soften the old putty and make it easier to remove.

Replacement

When a window's pane breaks, it can be tempting to try and repair the glass rather than replace it. It is cheaper to replace a window, and it can also help you prevent other problems in the efficiency of your home. You should also take into consideration the kind of glass that is broken to determine if this is a temporary fix or if you'll need to invest in an option that is more permanent.

To repair a broken window, take off the sash or frame and place it on the floor. Wearing eye protection, carefully wiggle and pull out any shards remaining in the window pane. Then, use a utility knife to cut off the glazing compound and glazing points that keep the glass in place. Keep an eye on the components and where they are so that they can be put back in place.

After the frame and sash have been removed then you can begin the process of preparing to install new glass. Before you begin make sure that the opening in the frame is properly designed for the replacement window. To allow for the expansion of the frame and glass and contraction to both directions, measure the opening and subtract 1/8 inch. Then, purchase double glazing-strength glass cut to these exact dimensions. It is recommended to purchase enough glazier's clips or points to place them every 6 inches around each window pane.

Based on the window's warranty the window may be covered by the manufacturer, in which case you need to contact them to file an claim. After the new glass has been installed, it needs to be covered with a thin layer of the compound used by glaziers. Once the compound has dried you can paint the frame to match.

If you have a crack that is more than an inch, cutting an arc of a razor blade just beyond the crack will help prevent it from spreading any further. This method isn't foolproof, but it will slow down the progression of the cracked until you can take more permanent measures.

Repair

Professional window installers have the proper tools and know how to handle different kinds of glass. They also understand the best practices for disposing of waste, and are less likely to leave scraps that are left behind, which could hurt pets or family members. They are also familiar with working with different types of windows and could be able to spot problems that a home owner with no experience would not notice.

Before beginning the process of repairing damaged window Doctor glass, make sure to wear safety goggles and gloves. Even a tiny crack can cause shards of glass to fly away and put anyone at risk in or around the home. It is also crucial to determine what caused the crack in the first place, since it can help prevent future issues.

Make a two-part mix of epoxy. They are typically a 50/50 mix of resin and hardener, and they must be quickly mixed. After the mix has been prepared, apply it directly to the crack and let it dry. It will take just about a few minutes, but it is important to work quickly because the mixture is very thick and dries quickly.

Once the epoxy is dried, you can remove any excess with a putty knife. You'll then need to clean around the cracked glass. If you don't do this properly, the residue can cause further damage to the glass. After cleaning the glass using a putty knife, you can use it to smooth the compound along the edges of the window and match it to the wood frame.

You could consider using a plastic cover to make a more durable choice. A heavy-duty trash bag or tarp is ideal, but you can also apply masking tape to the glass. This will stop the crack from spreading, and will also keep water, wind and insects out.

If you're unable to get to the window fast enough and you're not able to get there quickly, you can use silicone sealant to create temporary repairs. Apply a small amount of silicone sealant on the edges of the broken glass. It won't fully seal the gap between frame and glass but it will help keep the break in place while you repair it.

Repainting

If your glass windows are old, you might consider repainting them. This is a cost-effective alternative to replacing windows, and will give your home a fresh new look. Before painting, ensure that the surface is clean. Clean the window using soap and water or use rubbing alcohol to remove oil smudges and other traces which can hinder the paint from adhering. Wear rubber gloves when working on glass surfaces to avoid the transfer of oils from your hands onto the surface. In the end you should apply several thin coats of paint instead of a thick layer. This will allow the paint to last longer, and will keep your windows looking smooth and even.

Make sure you have the appropriate tools available in case you want to paint glass windows. You'll need a brush, sponge, painter's tape toothpicks, a ruler and other tools like a rag or paper towel. It is also recommended to have the brushes and paint you'll use for the project on hand. Follow the manufacturer's directions. Be patient because it could take a while for the paint to fully dry.

If you're using solvent-based paint, you should also ensure that the space where you work is adequately ventilated. This will help to reduce the risk of inhaling toxic chemicals, and also the paint will dry quicker. You should also make sure you have a protective mask for any spray paints you use.

You'll need to wash the glass window thoroughly with soap and warm water before you paint it. Clean the glass thoroughly with soap and warm water. You can then use rubbing alcohol to clean off any grease or oil that might hinder the paint's adhesion. Be sure that the windows are dry before you begin painting them.

If your glass windows are energy-efficient dual pane windows, then you might be able to submit a claim to the window company or dealer that sold them to cover any repair or replacement costs. This is especially true if the windows are still under warranty and you've experienced numerous problems with condensation or broken glass.

Sealing

Whether you have old double-pane windows that have a damaged seal or more recent insulated glass units (IGUs) that have experienced fogging or fog, there are many options for fixing the problem. The most expensive option is to replace the frame and insulated unit however it could be required if fog or condensation cause energy loss. Other options include replacing the IGU with just one pane, or fixing the existing IGU by drilling a hole in its bottom and filling it up with an anti-fogging agent.

You can also seal the gap between the window frame and the threshold or sill by using a felt strip vinyl v-strips, or door sweep. Felt is affordable and can be fixed with glue, nailed or stapled to the frame, but it does not provide much protection from moisture. Vinyl v-strip is easy to install and durable, but can be expensive. It is typically used in areas that are exposed to abrasions that are high. Door sweeps are able to be easily nailed to the floor and are affordable. However, they offer little or no protection between the threshold and the air.

To fix a damaged window seal make use of a putty blade to remove the old caulk. Wearing eye protection and gloves remove the glazing point -- tiny fasteners with sharp, pointed tips that pin the glass into the frame's recess. After taking out the glazing points, clean the grooves and sand down the wood. Wipe away any sanding residue, then seal the bare wood using a linseed oil-based paint or clear wood sealer.

Traditional glazing putty can be applied using either a putty knife or a caulking gun, however using a knife allows for a more efficient, more precise application and provides a stronger seal. Choose a putty that is specifically designed for glass windows as it will be more adhesive and durability.

Apply a thin layer of glue along the inside edge of frame where it meets with the glass. Slide the window into the frame so that the scribed line on the glass lines up with the frame's edge. Apply pressure on the glass to compress the putty and glass into an elongated seal. Smooth the compound with gloves and get rid of any caulk or drips that were not properly applied before it has dried.